Review on 'Devdas'

Review on Saratchandra Chattopadhyay's  "Devdas"

translated by Sreejata Guha

'Devdas' is one of the novels in the field of tragic love story that could have a really great impact on your heart and mind. Being written in 1917 as one of the first books by 'Saratchandra Chattopadhyay' as a professional writer, it is a story that has a perennial essence which would be enjoyed by a reader from 25th century as well. This novel is a Bible for all those who were not successful in their true love. Saratchandra chattopadhyay was one of the most celebrated author of his time. His novels were sometimes mistaken for being of Rabindra Nath Tagore's before he came into lime light of literature. Most of his works were much realistic fictions whose inspirations were drawn from his own life.
The writing style of this novel is very simple but effective so much that no one could resist to shed some tears for 'Devdas' after reading this book. This novel brings out the inner emotions from ourself through the pain and tragedies of characters. Everything odd about Devdas in this novel is a quality of writer in creating this superb character.
The translation done by 'Sreejata Guha' is the simplest one could get to get absorbed into story once someone starts reading it. The translator has a great hand in making this novel so wonderful by allowing the thoughts of characters to flow into us without any disruptions of difficult language or words. This is a best instance of a smooth translation.
The way characters are build in this novel allows it to be very short. The characters are not predefined or told to us by the novel, but builds as the story goes along.Nor their are any extra episodes inserted into the main story to define the characters. The novel is one complete story with no irrelevant episodes in it. Rest is left upon us to judge and interpret the characters. 

The novel basically revolves around three main characters in a love triangle each not getting what they want. The bond between Paro aka Parvati and Devdas in the childhood was so complicated but strong at the same time, is a masterpiece by the writer in the way it is presented. We were sure of the unconditional and ever faithful love of Paro for Devdas from the starting of the story but the sudden realization of the love by Devdas as soon as he posted the rejection letter to paro, came as a twist in the story. From that point on wards The Devdas which stands for pain and tragedy in love came into the picture.

The novel also highlights the staunch, enduring and brave nature of Parvati, first of all she decided to meet Devdas just before her marriage to propose him but after being rejected she did not give away her life like what is done by Devdas but she fulfilled all the responsibilities given to her keeping in her heart the love of her life. From the childhood days she had endured all the beating and scolding given to her by her lover faithfully like a true worshiper.

Seeing the contrast between the nature of Devdas who is impatient, brash, careless and much more with that of Paro. It is quite a wonder how they loved each other impassionately. Also the fact that after believing that he didn't love Paro and then suddenly realizing just the opposite how radically his life changed or to say ended. These are some beauty points of this novel.

Also one should wonder why Devdas was loved so much not only by Paro but Chandramukhi also seeing his really disgusting behavior and attitude. He was not the kind of a gentle lover or very much caring. He even gave a bruise to Paro just as a memoranda. This clearly shows that the source of this love was actually the careless and brash charm of Devdas. This adds another dimension to the originality of this love story.

Talking about Chandramukhi she was the one who cared for Devdas the most, seeing her profession this was not right for her to fall in love with one of the customers, but then she completely changed her life. If she wasn't there Devdas would not have lived this much also. At the end Devdas referred her as 'Bhau' means wife which shows the importance of her in his life.

The ending of the story was not the best ending if you are a fan of happy endings but it was the kind which strucks right in to you. You are forced to think about this 'worst death ever' again and again. The last wish of his life remained unfulfilled as he lay dead with no one to even recognize him and give his body proper rituals.

In today's world Devdas is seen as a metaphor for those who are stricken by love and carry a broken heart to the liquor shops or other places for short term pleasures. It is the success of this novel that gave it an honour to be presented as a metaphor for any class of people.

It is well said by anyone in this world that suffering, tragedy, pain these are the things which brings out true emotion and thereby a writing based on these is sure to be liked and be famous. This is the case with novel 'Devdas' with these attributes of tragedy taking its toll throughout the novel.